Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Cherry Bombs are a festive and delicious treat that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy filling. Perfect for holiday parties or as a gift, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• For the filling:
  • 1 cup of maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of almond extract
• For the coating:
  • 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional for smoothness)
  • Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and well combined. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
2. Step 2: Take a small amount of dough and flatten it into a disk about the size of a tablespoon. Place a maraschino cherry in the center and wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a ball to fully enclose the cherry. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
4. Step 4: Using your finger, make a small indentation on top of each dough ball. Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the hole for a creamy surprise inside.
5. Step 5: Place the filled Cherry Bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Step 6: While chilling, melt the dark chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth. Add coconut oil if desired for a smoother coating.
7. Step 7: Dip each chilled Cherry Bomb into the melted chocolate, fully coating it. Use a fork to lift and let excess chocolate drip off before placing back on parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Decorate with sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it sets, if desired.
9. Step 9: Let the chocolate-coated Cherry Bombs set at room temperature or in the fridge for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
10. Step 10: Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas Cherry Bombs!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer chocolate flavor, try using semisweet or milk chocolate chips as a coating.
• If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese mix.
• Adding a teaspoon of milk to the dough helps if it’s too crumbly and dry.
• Try stuffing with other dried fruits or nuts for a different surprise inside.

Storage

Store Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, you can serve them chilled or bring them to room temperature for a softer texture. Avoid storing at room temperature for extended periods due to the cream cheese filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used but may contain more moisture, which could affect the dough texture. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and dry them well before wrapping them in the dough.

Can I make these cherry bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day or two in advance and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

Delightfully rich and festive, these Christmas Cherry Bombs combine a soft cocoa-flavored dough with a creamy almond cream cheese filling and a luscious dark chocolate coating. Perfectly bite-sized and adorned with colorful sprinkles, they bring a fun surprise inside each treat, ideal for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 20 Cherry Bombs 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 teaspoon milk (if dough is too dry)

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough is smooth, soft, and holds together nicely. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk and mix again.
2. Shape the Base: Take small portions of the dough and flatten each into a disk roughly the size of a tablespoon. Place a drained maraschino cherry in the center, then wrap the dough completely around the cherry, rolling it gently to form a smooth ball. Set aside the shaped dough balls.
3. Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more powdered sugar.
4. Stuff the Cherry Bombs: Using your finger, create a small indentation on top of each dough ball, then spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the indentation, filling the hollow inside with the creamy mixture.
5. Chill the Bombs: Place the filled Cherry Bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and keeps the shape intact for coating.
6. Melt the Chocolate: While the Cherry Bombs chill, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. For a glossier, smoother coating, stir in the coconut oil while the chocolate is warm.
7. Coat the Cherry Bombs: Dip each chilled Cherry Bomb fully into the melted chocolate, using a fork to remove it, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
8. Decorate: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top if desired to add a festive touch and extra visual appeal.
9. Let Them Set: Allow the coated Cherry Bombs to sit at room temperature or refrigerated for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once set, the Christmas Cherry Bombs are ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and easy shaping.
• If dough feels too dry, adding milk helps achieve the right consistency.
• Use fresh maraschino cherries drained well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
• The coconut oil in the melted chocolate is optional but helps produce a shinier and smoother chocolate coating.
• Chilling before coating ensures the Cherry Bombs hold their shape and the filling stays intact.
• Store finished treats in the fridge to maintain texture and prevent chocolate from melting.

Keywords: Christmas Cherry Bombs, chocolate treats, holiday dessert, no-bake cherry bombs, cream cheese filling, festive chocolate snacks